KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has given Ramadan bazaar traders the option of getting a refund on their deposits or to carry forward their payments to secure lots next year.

DBKL said those who have registered to trade in Jalan Raja or in 65 locations in the Federal Territories can choose between the two options from April 20 to 30. 

“The first option is that they will not seek any refunds from DBKL and next year they will automatically qualify for a Ramadan bazaar lot. 

DBKL said the second option is that they can get a refund, but will have to reapply for lots next year.

Yesterday, senior minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said DBKL will return deposits collected from Ramadan bazaar traders unable to operate this year due to the movement control order (MCO).

Last week, the Federal Territories Ministry said it was preparing a plan for e-bazaar sites, however, minister Annuar Musa then said the National Security Council had cancelled any form of Ramadan bazaar in the city. 

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday said Ramadan bazaars would not be able to go ahead, citing the MCO, which is due to end on April 28, five days into the fasting month.

DBKL said they will inform traders who choose the second option on how they can collect back their fees. 

“Any option the traders choose is final and DBKL will not entertain any changes.”

The city authority also said those who do not choose any options will automatically qualify for the first option.

DBKL also said that those who have registered with their respective hawkers and traders associations will have to seek the refunds from them. 

As of noon yesterday there 5,251 Covid-19 cases nationwide with 86 deaths. – April 18, 2020.